Information about the Elements of DC Popup for Makers

Elements of DC: Maker Information


Elements of DC is a curated, month-long pop-up inside Because Science spotlighting DC-based makers. The pop-up runs throughout July and is designed to bring new customers, press attention, and hands-on programming into the space while showcasing local, handmade work in a high-traffic retail environment.

What You Get

  • Dedicated retail presence
    Each maker receives their own display space within a cohesive, front-of-store/front window installation, complete with a bio/story card and branded merchandising. Because Science handles merchandising, inventory intake, and barcoding of your products.
  • Built-in audience + marketing
    Promotion through Because Science, participating makers, grant-supported channels (including Made in DC and press outreach), and AdMo BID marketing channels.
  • Opportunities for deeper engagement
    Optional participation in:
    • Craft Lab workshops or demos: Host ticketed workshop(s) for additional revenue opportunities. Refer to this document for information about the Craft Lab and possible structures for events. To book, just email us with an idea of what you’d like to do, and we’ll get you set up. 
    • Sidewalk Pop-up Market events: July 11 and July 25, free to participate. More information is below.
    • Launch Mixer with customers and other makers on July 3 from 5-7pm
  • Wholesale Opportunity
    Makers with high sell-through may be considered for ongoing wholesale

How It Works

  • Timing: Launching by June 26 to capture July excitement, return/collect inventory by August 15
    • We’ll endeavor to complete this step as quickly as possible to provide more time for you to prepare inventory
    • Maker Applications accepted through May 31 on a rolling basis.
    • Inventory requests will be submitted no later than June 7.
    • Inventory delivery must be made by June 19.
    • Inventory Return/Pickup by August 15.
  • Duration: approximately 1 month, concentrating on July
  • Model: Consignment (50/50 split)
  • Inventory: Curated selection with a SKU cap per maker based on product size and mix
  • Payments: One payout via Paypal, Venmo, or Paper Check (your preference) by August 15

All inventory is processed, barcoded, and tracked through our system to ensure accurate reporting and payment.

What We’re Looking For

  • DC-based makers with unique, well-crafted products
  • Work that fits within our curated science-themed retail environment
    • We know this can be quite niche. We’ll exercise a bit of creative leniency here to offer as many opportunities as we can, but our customer base does expect science-themed items.
  • Makers interested in collaboration & community engagement

Accepted makers will be asked to recommend products that suit the above. From that information, we’ll submit an inventory request. Only approved inventory from the request will be accepted for the Pop-up. Your provided weblink in the application must include a way to view your products and pricing.

Expectations

Selected makers will be responsible for:

  • Meeting pricing, packaging, and drop-off guidelines
  • Providing product details and brand information
    • A follow-up Maker survey will be used to build your in-store story card
  • Participating in promotion (sharing with your audience)
  • Adhering to deadlines and inventory limits

Why Participate?

This pop-up is designed to:

  • Introduce your work to new, high-intent customers
  • Leverage collective marketing and press opportunities
  • Access a structured retail opportunity without upfront cost
  • Create pathways for future partnerships (wholesale, workshops, events)

Sidewalk Pop-Up Market

Leverage the high foot traffic of Adams Morgan and our suite of marketing efforts to offer your work for sale directly.

  • We provide :
    • Marketing/promotion of the makers in the market
    • Access to our Kitchen and Bathroom (take a break indoors!)
    • Ability to booth-sit
  • Details:
    • Capacity: up to 6 makers per event (limited by sidewalk space)
    • Dates: July 11 and July 25
    • Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
    • Setup as early as 9:30 AM
    • Breakdown completed by 7 PM
  • Requirements:
    • Bring your own setup (table, display, POS, etc.)
    • Tents must be weighted (40 lbs per leg required)
    • Umbrellas must be weighted
    • Rain dates: July 18 and August 1
      (Decision made at least 24 hours in advance)

Interested?

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDYBSoJxD6J2ftNgc0IobGFkOJ4iW8wbfVBkYNGIDewZCgcQ/viewform?usp=header